[11/02/12 - 10:00 AM]FOX Unwraps the World Broadcast Premiere of "DreamWorks Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury," a Must-See Holiday Special Inspired by the Hit Animation Film "How to Train Your Dragon" Monday, December 17The franchise's second and third feature film installments are due in theaters on June 20, 2014, and June 18, 2016.

[via press release from FOX]

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FOX UNWRAPS THE WORLD BROADCAST PREMIERE OF "DREAMWORKS DRAGONS: GIFT OF THE NIGHT FURY," A MUST-SEE HOLIDAY SPECIAL INSPIRED BY THE HIT ANIMATION FILM "HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON" MONDAY, DECEMBER 17

GIFT OF THE NIGHT FURY is a story of faith, love and friendship that takes viewers on an adventure of dragon-sized proportions as the villagers of Berk prepare for the winter holidays. As the festivities approach, the dragons make a sudden mass exodus, leaving HICCUP (Jay Baruchel), ASTRID (America Ferrera), STOICK (Gerard Butler) and the rest of the gang saddened by the loss of their winged friends. A wild turn of events leads Hiccup to discover a mysterious, never-before-seen island and learn the true reason why the dragons left the village. Friendship and loyalty abound in this touching holiday tale of spreading one's wings, but always staying close to home. As Hiccup says, "The only real comfort against the cold are those you keep close to your heart."

The animated special is inspired by the popular "How to Train Your Dragon" film franchise, of which the second and third feature film installments are due in theaters on June 20, 2014, and June 18, 2016, respectively. The critically acclaimed 2010 global blockbuster from DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA), and based on the book series by Cressida Cowell, was nominated for two Academy Awards(R) and a Golden Globe Award, and has grossed $500 million at the worldwide box office. The franchise also includes a live spectacular global tour. The voice cast includes Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller and Kristen Wiig.